South Africa have suffered a major setback ahead of their five match T20I series against India, with batter Tony de Zorzi and young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka both ruled out due to injuries.
The update was confirmed by Cricket South Africa on Saturday, leaving the hosts with significant changes to their plans for the upcoming fixtures.
Injury Concerns Hit South Africa Before T20I Series
The announcement followed the withdrawal of de Zorzi and Nandre Burger from the third ODI in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. According to CSA, both players sustained hamstring related injuries during the second ODI and were unable to recover in time.
CSA stated, “Proteas Men’s fast bowler Nandre Burger and batter Tony de Zorzi have been ruled out of the third One-Day International against India on Saturday due to injury.”
The board detailed that Burger felt discomfort in his right hamstring while bowling, whereas de Zorzi experienced pain in the same region during his batting effort and could not continue. Subsequent scans on Friday confirmed the seriousness of their injuries.
De Zorzi To Miss Entire T20I Series
De Zorzi will also be unavailable for the full five match T20I series beginning on December 9. CSA said, “De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the upcoming five match T20 International series against India, which gets underway on Tuesday, 09 December, and will return home. No replacement has been named.”
His absence leaves a noticeable gap at the top of the order at a time when South Africa are looking to build momentum ahead of a busy season.
Kwena Maphaka Withdrawn After Slow Recovery
Rising pacer Kwena Maphaka, who had been under rehabilitation for a left hamstring injury, has also been ruled out after failing to progress as expected. CSA explained, “Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka did not progress as expected during the final phase of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring injury and will not be fit in time for the start of the T20I series. He has been withdrawn from the squad.”
To fill the void in the pace department, Lutho Sipamla has been added to the T20I squad.
Sipamla Steps In As South Africa Regroups
With multiple frontline players sidelined, the South African team management will be forced to reassess their strategy for the upcoming series. Sipamla’s inclusion provides additional depth, although the absence of Maphaka and de Zorzi will undoubtedly test the team’s balance across formats.
South Africa now head into the T20Is with a revised squad and the hope that their remaining core can step up against an in form Indian side.